Project title: Exploring tumor-associated myeloid cell dynamics in response to alphavirus-driven immunomodulation

Project No.: lzp-2024/1-0254

Period: 1st January 2025 – 31 December 2027

Project costs: 300 000,00 EUR

Principal Investigator: Dr. biol. Anna Zajakina

Project summary:

Currently, the cancer research is centered on unraveling the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with a particular focus on the immune cell composition. The profound understanding of the immune system’s role in tumor progression has revolutionized therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of stimulating or inhibiting specific immune responses to achieve sustained anti-tumor effects beyond conventional tumor cell targeting. The immunosuppressive TME involves M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), both pivotal players in tumor growth and immune evasion. TME promotes the accumulation of immature and heterogeneous MDSC populations, and their reprogramming poses significant challenges. In this project, we will implement a comprehensive investigation of myeloid cell heterogeneity and reprogramming capabilities using virus vector-mediated immunomodulatory gene delivery. Alphaviral vectors, known for their efficiency and safety profile, offer a powerful platform for cancer immunotherapy. Our proposed project aims to elucidate the impact of alphaviral vector-mediated immunomodulation on tumor colonization by myeloid cells, seeking to develop the most favorable conditions for anti-cancer TME programming.

Information published 02.01.2025.